Former Detroit Red Wings' Great Darren McCarty To Make Special Bulldog Hockey Appearance On Jan. 10

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nationally second-ranked Ferris State University men's ice hockey team returns to home ice on Jan. 10-11 as the Bulldogs resume Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) action and fans will be treated to a special guest appearance from one of hockey's all-time greats.

Former Detroit Red Wings' standout Darren McCarty will make a special appearance and be in attendance for the series' opener on Friday (Jan. 10) evening against the Michigan Tech Huskies for a book signing and autograph session to promote his new book "My Last Fight: The True Story of a Hockey Rock Star". As a member of four Red Wings' Stanley Cup title teams, McCarty played the role of enforcer for much of the last two decades and teamed up with Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby to form the "Grind Line".

The puck is set to drop on both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:07 p.m. (ET) as the Bulldogs square off against the Huskies for the first time since 1995 as part of what many expect will be one of the top WCHA rivalries in years to come.

"We're excited about Darren McCarty's guest appearance and yet another incentive for fans to come out and support one of college hockey's hottest teams," said FSU Associate Athletics Director Jon Coles. "It our constant attempt to provide a complete fan experience, this is shaping up to be a perfect night and a tremendous weekend overall for hockey fans in West Michigan."

McCarty played all but two of his 15 NHL seasons with the Red Wings, scoring 127 goals and recording 1,477 penalty minutes in his career. In his memoir, the four-time Stanley Cup champion recounts some of his fondest memories as well as his personal struggles.

"The point in my life that I'm at, I wanted to sit down and tell my story," explained McCarty in an interview shortly after the book was released. "I've gone through so much, people have an idea, people think they know, but they hear so much, I just wanted to get the truth out there and that's what this book is, pretty much my truth."

"My Last Fight" brings both laughter and tears to readers, and although some stories were more difficult than others for McCarty to share, he didn't shy away from anything, according to book excerpts. The publication contains 15 years of emotional memories and experiences on paper for the first time.

"We're looking forward to having the opportunity to resume WCHA play in front of our home fans and having one of the all-time greats in Darren McCarty in attendance will be a tremendous treat for the fans," said FSU head coach Bob Daniels. "This will be an extremely tough series against one of the traditional WCHA schools and having the Bulldog Nation behind us will provide a big boost as we begin the second half of conference play."

In addition to McCarty's special appearance, the Bulldogs will also hold a special "Dawg Pound Appreciation Night" on Friday, Jan. 10, that will include giveaways, a free postgame skate with Brutus, raffle prizes and more. The Ferris State University residence halls will be open for the weekend series.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as sellout crowds are expected for the Bulldogs' first home action since mid-November. A special "BOGO" or buy one, get one free offer is currently being offered for all full-priced $12 tickets with limited availability at this price.

In addition, a "Youth Hockey Special" is also on sale for the Michigan Tech series. Families of youth hockey players can purchase $6 tickets and the package includes a locker room tour, autographed team picture and a commemorative "Road to the WCHA Championship" poster. Limited availability is also offered in this price category.

Fans can purchase advance tickets for the Michigan Tech series and save over the normal gameday rates by visiting the FSU Athletics Ticket Office located inside the Ewigleben Sports Complex. Bulldog fans can also purchase all regular-priced tickets in advance 24 hours a day, seven days a week online at StarTickets.com or by calling 1-800-585-3737.

Normal business hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) with extended hours on Wednesday's until 7 p.m. (ET). The ticket office hours will vary over the holiday break until normal hours resume on Jan. 6.

A complete pricing structure, holiday ticket office hours and additional information is available online at FerrisStateBulldogs.com and can be found by visiting the "tickets" tab. All promotional ticket offers are only available in advance thru the FSU Athletics Ticket Office. For additional ticket information, please call (231) 591-2888.

Ferris State became the nation's first collegiate team to reach 14 victories this year and the Bulldogs are now 14-2-3 overall this season. They also own an impressive 10-0-2 mark in their debut season in the WCHA with a first-place lead at the break. FSU has captured 22 of a possible 24 points to date in league action this season.

The Bulldogs also feature the nation's winningest goaltender in junior CJ Motte, who increased his nation-leading mark to 14-0-3 in net this season by helping lead the Bulldogs to a tie against Michigan and a shutout victory on the road at Michigan State in FSU's most recent action. His 17-game unbeaten start is a school-record and the longest streak in the country.

Prior to the Michigan Tech series, Ferris State will return to action this weekend on Jan. 3-4 as the Bulldogs take part in the prestigious Mariucci Classic hosted by top-ranked Minnesota. FSU will square off against RPI in the opening contest on Friday, Jan. 3, at Minneapolis. FSU will then face either host Minnesota or Colgate the following night on Saturday, Jan. 4.